We Fight For Your Freedom

Driving Under The Influence of Drugs

The offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is commonly associated with alcohol, but people can also be arrested for allegedly being under the influence of drugs. Driving under the influence of Drugs (commonly referred to as DUID) typically involves blood tests or urine tests being administered to measure an alleged offender’s level of impairment rather than breath tests.

Driving under the Influence of drugs can be much more difficult for prosecutors to prove because even if a chemical test shows that there is a controlled substance in an alleged offender’s system, such evidence does not necessarily mean that the drug diminished the alleged offender’s ability to drive. It is important to note that a person can also be charged with DUID even if he or she was allegedly under the influence of a perfectly legal prescription drug.

Melbourne Criminal Defense Attorney for DUID Arrests

The experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy can help you with your DUID charge. We will aggressively fight the allegations on your behalf. Call to schedule a free consultation that will allow our Melbourne criminal defense lawyer to provide a complete evaluation of your case.
We assist clients in Melbourne and Brevard County, Titusville County, Palm Bay County and surrounding areas.

Driving under the Influence –Penalties and Fines

DUID convictions carry steep penalties that may include the following sentences, depending on whether alleged offenders have previously been convicted of drunk or drugged driving:

- First offense – Fine of $500 to $1,000; jail for up to 6 months; license suspension of 180 days to 1 year; 50 hours community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); 10 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.
- Second offense – Fine of $1,000 to $2,000; jail for up to 9 months; mandatory ignition interlock; license suspension of 180 days up to 1 year; mandatory 1 year probation; psychosocial evaluation required; 50 hours of community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); 10 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.
- Third offense – Fine of $2,000 to $5,000; jail up to 12 months; mandatory ignition interlock; license suspension of 1 year; mandatory 1 year probation; psychosocial evaluation required; 50 hours community service (or possible buyout at $10/hour); and 90 day vehicle impoundment/immobilization.

How are the charges different?

Driving under the influence of drugs can be trickier to prove because testing is not as straightforward. The test for drugs requires blood and urine as subjects in DUID cases. Individuals charged with DUID are also charged with basic drug use.

The penalties may be increased depending on the volume of drugs found in his or her system. Penalties can worsen further if drugs are found inside the car. A person could be charged a felony if it is his or her fourth DUI offense.

Florida DUID Resources

Drugged Driving is Preventable – The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving also advocates against drugged driving, and this site lists ways to be safe on the roads. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving also advocates against drugged driving, and this site lists ways to be safe on the roads.

DUID Attorney in Melbourne Florida

If you were arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance while driving in Florida, it is important to contact an attorney at The Law Offices of Bryan J. McCarthy. Our dedicated, experienced Melbourne criminal defense lawyer will fight to protect your rights

Call today to receive a free, confidential consultation. We assist clients in Brevard County, Titusville County, Palm Bay County and surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today

First Name

Please enter your first name.
Last Name

Please enter your last name.
Email

This isn't a valid email address.

Please enter your email address.
Phone

This isn't a valid phone number.

Please enter your phone number.

You entered an invalid number.
Are you a new client?

Please select an option.
Message

Please enter a message.

Testimonials

When I had my free consultation with him, I was blown away. His professionalism, intelligence, and character is everything you would ever want in a lawyer.
“I had never previously been in an ounce of trouble; not even a detention in high school. When I learned that I had been charged with a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment, my life flashed before my eyes. I as stunned and shell-shocked by the experience. When I was contemplating my options on a public defender or a lawyer, my friend, who had been in trouble recently, recommended “The Savior” (at least that’s what I call him now!) Mr. McCarthy! This man knows what he’s doing! When I had my free consultation with him, I was blown away. His professionalism, intelligence, and character is everything you would ever want in a lawyer. Bryan knows the law inside and out to the point where once you leave the office, you’ll be gaping with eyebrows raised and say to yourself, “Wow … I’m impressed.” Needless to say, I felt ten times more comfortable coming out of that office than I did going in. When consulting with him, he utilized the perfect blend of realism and reassurance to let me know of my potential outcomes while simultaneously restoring my peace of mind. I felt that I could live worry-free after hiring him. Oh, and guess what?! After his dedication to my case, I learned about a month later that the charges were COMPLETELY DROPPED! You read that right! COMPLETELY DROPPED! I was so thankful that I looked up into the sky and shed tears with my mom’s arms wrapped around me, and it was all because of Mr. McCarthy. This man made the continuance of my dream to pursue teaching possible! Whatever you are looking for in a lawyer, I guarantee you!! Mr. McCarthy is the man! He is “The Savior!””

S.M.
Your very thorough investigative work, preparation, and execution were all very good and saved a young man from a possible disaster to his entire future.
“Travis and I and our entire family would like to thank you for the excellent job you did on the recent Traffic Ticket case against Travis. We found you to be very generous, very professional, and very competent. Your very thorough investigative work, preparation, and execution were all very good and saved a young man from a possible disaster to his entire future. You also saved me from an economic expense that I could ill afford at this time. I heard a rumor that you might be thinking about a possible run for the State Legislature in the future. You would certainly have my vote and my support with everyone I know. We would highly recommend you to anyone who is in need of a good attorney. You have given us a new and much improved opinion of the legal profession. Very best wishes for the future and much appreciation for the job you did.”

V.L.
Very professional!! I would recommend 100% and if I ever need legal services again, they would be the first place I would call!!
“Very professional!! I would recommend 100% and if I ever need legal services again, they would be the first place I would call!! Thanks for everything!!”

E.B.
I was treated with respect and transparency from the front desk through the closing of my case, and left each interaction feeling more relieved and confident than before.
“Mr. McCarthy and Ms. Harris were as professional, responsive and informative as I could have hoped for throughout this entire process. I was treated with respect and transparency from the front desk through the closing of my case, and left each interaction feeling more relieved and confident than before. Most importantly, Mr. McCarthy delivered on what he promised me at our initial consultation. For all the above reasons, I am genuinely grateful that I was represented by Mr. McCarthy and the Law Offices Bryan J. McCarthy.”

B.J.
Thank you again for being a real lawyer.
“I just wanted to thank you for serving as a good example for all lawyers out there. Thank you for taking care of my friend and her son and for going the extra mile. I know it’s not easy. All too often I hear terrible stories about how some bad apples treat their clients. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who treats their clients almost like family. Thank you again for being a real lawyer.”

E.B.